Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Philippians 4:8

​ What an appropriate verse for Tuesday’s thought – think about it! So, what have you been thinking about today? Has it been true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable? As your day, or week unfolds, you think somewhat continuously. A thought process is necessary to perform the routine tasks of the day. The most elementary and somewhat insignificant events such as engaging the snooze button, or fixing a breakfast, picking an outfit to wear, all require some brain engagement. As the day unfolds, your brain will inevitably make thousands of decisions. Your thoughts guide your actions. Have you thought about truth and noble things? Did the ways of God cross your mind? Are your thoughts pure, according to God’s standards? Have you pondered lovely things or things that are admirable, praiseworthy and excellent?

​ God wants us to display faith in our thoughts. Understand that the attitude of our thoughts shape how we do tasks, perceive self, determine worth, regulate our prayers, discern appropriateness of actions, interact with others, etc. It starts in the brain with our thoughts. If you are like me, the absence of “brain leading” can lead to times when my mind drifts into the areas of thinking that Paul wants us to avoid. It is possible for selfish, lustful, prideful, cynical, critical, and deceived thinking to affect my actions. I have to pause in these moments, confess my thinking, and get my brain and my thinking back to where God wants it to be. Watch that idleness of your brain does not lead you into unhealthy thinking.

We input many things each day through our senses that ultimately direct our thoughts. Recently, I noticed a patch of beautiful white flowers growing among immense tress, just outside the church and marveled at God’s diversity in creation. For Christians, “whatever is true” is tested by how it aligns with God’s revelation of truth, the creation which is all around us, and His written word, the Bible. Take a moment and look at God’s handiwork and let your brain engage in healthy exercise as you marvel at our awesome Creator! Open your Bible and read a paragraph or two and let your mind think about what God reveals or teaches you in this moment. Again, marvel at our awesome Creator who has led you to truth. If you reflect upon your day, can you trace moments where your healthy thinking process brought forth a healthy faith action? It starts in the brain with our thoughts. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, MIND, and soul.

Include God in your thoughts today. Be intentional and be guarded in your thoughts. Think about truth. Think about your Heavenly Father and His attributes as you engage your mind in prayer. I will end this thought with a blessing of Paul; “May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.”

This is real sound advice. My brain run on auto-pilot and very seldom do I intentionally guide my thought process and guard against bad thoughts, which lead me to make some really bad decisions. These little negative thoughts can snow-ball fast and pretty soon I'm living a angry, depressed, sinful and godless life. Thank you, Mark, for reminding me that there are still things left in the world that show these 8 attributes of God and the importance of scripture being meditated on.

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Pastor Mark serves as lead Pastor at Coventry COB. He enjoys reading, running, eating, and spending time with family and friends.